Have a GREEN, black and orange Halloween this year!

With Halloween approaching, and consumerism at a spike, consider how you can green up your home and festivities by reusing, reducing, and recycling. Below are some ideas for a green black and orange Halloween and below that some ideas for seasonal staging of your home.

The Daily Green, a great newsletter for green living, says: "By choosing natural materials to accent your home or office, you'll also be supporting American farmers and open space, as well as bringing a little slice of nature (not to mention history) indoors. The best choice is locally sourced goods, which you can pick up at a farmers' market, farm stand or charity drive. Read more at: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/natural-fall-decorations?src=rss#ixzz0UhBb8AUJ"

Here are my ideas:

• Get costumes from your local vintage clothing or thrift store and not only will you feel better about your choices, you will be supporting local business owners and charities (who really need it now!!!)


• If you string lights be sure to use strands of LED lights, not traditional twinkle lights.


• Illuminate carved pumpkins with candles made from beeswax or soy, so harmful toxins aren't burned into the air.


• Give out only fair trade, organic treats. Or small items made from recycled materials.


• Don't forget your reusable grocery bags instead of plastic trick or treat bags.

For Seasonal Green Staging, here are some ideas:

• Use produce from your local farmer's market for decoration. A few pumpkins and gourds by the door and a spray of Indian corn on the front door, create a festive entry.


• LED lighting in the trees or on your patio or balcony can go far to set the mood that your home is a wonderful magical place, without using much electricity. With the days getting shorter towards winter, lighting is crucial for safety as well as ambiance.


• Scarecrows (make them whimsical and smiling) made from found objects and old clothes and a few hay bales in the front yard provide a unique curb appeal, and invite the buyer closer.


• Burn a soy or beeswax scented candle just before buyers are to arrive to fill the home with fresh scent.


• If you have any green features, be sure to make a small sign and post it next to them, so buyers can be reminded. For example, energy star appliances, native plant landscaping, air filtration systems, should all be pointed out to the buyers.